ConsFirst / Chef's knives

Mercer Culinary

Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife: the downsides first

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#1 of 7
$German-styleScore 3.9/5
2%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)

Serious Eats' budget pick: light, grippy and reliably sharp for about $20-$30. Wirecutter disagreed, finding its stamped blade not very sharp and uncomfortable to use.

Top complaints

  • Not very sharp in one test

    Wirecutter says it was not very sharp, its stamped blade split carrots and it was uncomfortable to use.

    Source: Wirecutter
  • Utilitarian, not refined

    Serious Eats says it isn't flashy and describes it as sharp but without elegance or grace.

    Source: Serious Eats

What owners love

Good for
  • The cheapest decent chef's knife
  • Beginners
  • A spare or beater knife

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Serious Eats: Best budget under $40 (September 2026): reliable, light, grippy and stayed sharp; little to dislike at the price.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Competition: not very sharp, split carrots and uncomfortable to use.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked chef's knives whose biggest complaint is something else.

#2 in chef's knivesTojiro DP Gyuto 8.2-Inch (F-808)

Wirecutter's runner-up and one of the best values in Japanese knives: extremely sharp, with a hard core that holds its edge. The thin, hard blade can chip on squash or frozen food, the handle is tight for big hands, and Tojiro offers no warranty outside Japan.

Its catch: can chip on hard foods#3 in chef's knivesMac Professional Series 8-Inch Chef's Knife with Dimples (MTH-80)

Wirecutter's pick since 2012 and a top pick at Good Housekeeping and Food & Wine: very sharp, agile and comfortable, with a shape between German and Japanese styles. It can get rust spots if not dried right away, Serious Eats found its edge dulled quickly over years of use, and fakes have been sold on Amazon.

Its catch: rust and stain spots#4 in chef's knivesWüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife

The classic forged German knife, named best overall by Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping and Food & Wine: sturdy, balanced and hard to damage. It is heavy (about 9-9.5 oz) with a thick handle and full bolster, so it feels less nimble than Japanese-style blades.

Its catch: heavy

Head-to-head

See all 7 chef's knives ranked →